SCOOP! First look

SCOOP! First look

Riviera's eagerly awaited 53 (from $1.7 million) is coming together nicely, as these pics show after our recent exclusive factory tour.

Powered by triple Volvo Penta IPS 600 pod drives, and with a full-beam stateroom, the boat has already been a sales success. We were impressed by the more aggressive hull lines with big flare and. internally, the smart use of space thanks to the rear-mounted engines. A must-see launch at the upcoming Sanctuary Cove International

Riviera’s new product development manager Neil McCabe and his team have been working on the 53 for the past two years and all are extremely pleased with the result.

McCabe said the new 53 had recently undergone its first sea trial and has now moved into the Fit Out Two stage, where the finished timber and cabinetry will be installed.

“Now the boat has had a sea trial, we have been able to assess the data and can now fine tune the 53’s performance,” said McCabe.

“Our engineers loaded the boat with water bags, which were put in specific locations to simulate the final weight distribution of the 53 including the owners personal equipment and items so that we could get very accurate running information from the sea trial.

“The running angle was within our desired forecast so this is very pleasing for hull number one.

“We are closely monitoring the final fitout and we are using lightweight materials to ensure we meet our finished target weight of 27 tonnes,” he said.

Riviera said the hull and deck have been joined, windscreens and bathrooms fitted, and the cabinetry is well progressed.

“The engineroom has all major components fitted and the final templates are being made for the galley bench tops and leather lounges,” said McCabe.

Longtime Riviera skipper Mark Lawson said the 53 Enclosed Flybridge performed exceptionally well on its inaugural sea trial.

“The boat is stable and responsive when turning and overall it will certainly be a comfortable costal cruising boat with exceptional fuel economy," said Lawson.

“The boat reached over our desired 29kts in its initial sea trial so once it is finally finished we believe we can get a improvement on this figure,” he said.

Riviera says it has already received 12 orders off-the-plan for the new flybridge from enthusiasts in Australia, the USA and Europe. Many potential owners are coming from around Australia and overseas to inspect and sea trial the 53, the builder added.

“We have already had a significant number of customers place forward deposits and the owners of hull number four have just reviewed the boat and they were absolutely delighted with the aft galley, large cockpit and saloon, full-beam master stateroom and enormous flybridge,” said McCabe.

“They are moving up from their current boat, a 47 and were in awe of the size, space and luxury appointments onboard the new 53.

“This boat will certainly take Riviera to a whole new level,” he said.

For more information, please go to www.riviera.com.au

Photos: The Riviera 53 nearing completion; and a sneak running shot of the 53 in a subsequent sea trial.